Books about the First Day

Pete the Cat Rocking in my School Shoes by Eric Litwin and James Dean I love this book and the song that goes with it. Get excited about back-to-school, and learn not to worry because it’s all good.

My New Teacher and Me by All Yankovic Mr. Booth does not like his student Billy’s crazy exaggerations until Billy shows his teacher that wild and crazy things might just exist in the world. Maybe.

It’s Time for School, Stinky Faceby Lisa McCourt “What if . . . a spaceship lands on the playground?” Most kids can relate to all the what ifs of a new situation. This little boy’s what ifs will reassure even the biggest worriers.

The Night Before First Gradeby Natasha Wing Natasha Wing writes all the Night Before books in the familiar rhyme of the Night Before Christmas. Look for The Night Before Preschool and The Night Before Kindergarten as well. These books are always funny and reassuring.

School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex, illustrated by Christian Robinson A new classic for back to school, Janitor tells the newly built school that soon teachers and children will be coming. Which makes school nervous. Find out what happens on the first day and how school loves his children.

On the First Day of Kindergarten by Tish Rabe, illustrated by Laura Hughes In the add-on style of “On the First Day of Christmas”, we follow along as one little girl tells us what’s cool about school: “sliding down the slide, singing a song, running in a race, counting up to ten, making lots of friends, and riding the bus to my school.”

Books about Friendship

Chopsticks by Amy Krouse Rosenthal Chopsticks are always together. But when one chopstick gets injured, he encourages his partner chopstick to go explore the world alone. I love this book to help children learn about friendships. That friends, even when apart, can be okay – stronger, even. Plus, it’s a punny story, good for giggling.

Clark the Sharkby Bruce Hale, illustrated by Guy Francis Clark the Shark is just too loud and too rough with his friends. And they don’t want to play with him. But he gets help from his teacher and learns how to modify his behavior so he can play, too.

Books about Individuality

Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch Stephanie wears unusual ponytail styles every day and the kids always tease her. Except then they copy her unique style. Even when she says she’s going to shave her head. Very funny with a great lesson.

Books about Separation Anxiety

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn A heart-warming story that will start the tradition of planting a kiss on your child’s hand before you send him to school. And you’ll get one in return. Love it.

First Day Jittersby Julie Danneberg Sarah doesn’t want to go to kindergarten. But what a surprise when we discover that Sarah is the teacher, not the student.

Reading books like these really helps prepare kids. They become familiar with what other people experience and how those people handle things. It builds background knowledge, which is a good thing.